12 Perfect Days in Costa Rica | Road Trip Travel Itinerary

US$39.99

Costa Rica: The Ultimate 12-Day Road Trip

Less planning. More pura vida.

Explore Pacific beaches, jungle waterfalls, misty cloud forests and volcanic hot springs on a thoughtfully paced Costa Rica road trip.

After seven trips to Costa Rica, I’ve brought my firsthand experience into the route I’d recommend to friends and family—with time to explore, discover something unexpected and enjoy where you are.

What’s included

✓ 12-day itinerary with daily activities, driving guidance and flexible options
✓ Interactive Google Map with destinations, stays, restaurants and activities
✓ Accommodation recommendations for different budgets
✓ Local restaurants, hidden gems and personal favorites
✓ Practical advice on rental cars, seasons, safety and packing
✓ Downloadable PDF to keep handy throughout your trip

Your route

  • Days 1–3 · Dominical & Uvita: Jungle waterfalls, Pacific beaches and the famous Whale Tail.

  • Days 4–6 · Jacó & Playa Hermosa: Surfing, rainforest wildlife and coastal adventures.

  • Days 7–8 · Monteverde: Cloud forest trails, birdwatching and cool mountain air.

  • Days 9–11 · La Fortuna & Arenal: Waterfalls, your choice of adventures and a final full day at Tabacón’s hot springs.

  • Day 12 · Return to San José: Head home with a clear plan for the airport drive.

Designed for independent travelers renting a car who want a memorable first taste of Costa Rica without piecing the whole trip together themselves.

Download your itinerary for $39.99 and start planning your Costa Rica adventure.

Created by Alexander Ayling — travel filmmaker, TV host and your guide to traveling deeper.

Travel Deeper. Experience Destinations, Not Just Attractions.

Costa Rica: The Ultimate 12-Day Road Trip

Less planning. More pura vida.

Explore Pacific beaches, jungle waterfalls, misty cloud forests and volcanic hot springs on a thoughtfully paced Costa Rica road trip.

After seven trips to Costa Rica, I’ve brought my firsthand experience into the route I’d recommend to friends and family—with time to explore, discover something unexpected and enjoy where you are.

What’s included

✓ 12-day itinerary with daily activities, driving guidance and flexible options
✓ Interactive Google Map with destinations, stays, restaurants and activities
✓ Accommodation recommendations for different budgets
✓ Local restaurants, hidden gems and personal favorites
✓ Practical advice on rental cars, seasons, safety and packing
✓ Downloadable PDF to keep handy throughout your trip

Your route

  • Days 1–3 · Dominical & Uvita: Jungle waterfalls, Pacific beaches and the famous Whale Tail.

  • Days 4–6 · Jacó & Playa Hermosa: Surfing, rainforest wildlife and coastal adventures.

  • Days 7–8 · Monteverde: Cloud forest trails, birdwatching and cool mountain air.

  • Days 9–11 · La Fortuna & Arenal: Waterfalls, your choice of adventures and a final full day at Tabacón’s hot springs.

  • Day 12 · Return to San José: Head home with a clear plan for the airport drive.

Designed for independent travelers renting a car who want a memorable first taste of Costa Rica without piecing the whole trip together themselves.

Download your itinerary for $39.99 and start planning your Costa Rica adventure.

Created by Alexander Ayling — travel filmmaker, TV host and your guide to traveling deeper.

Travel Deeper. Experience Destinations, Not Just Attractions.

Watch Before You Go

Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting Costa Rica

Discover why Costa Rica is one of the world's greatest adventure destinations. In this Costa Rica Travel Guide, I'll show you the best places to visit in Costa Rica, including Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio, Uvita, Rio Celeste, waterfalls, cloud forests, beaches, wildlife, and national parks, along with essential Costa Rica travel tips from seven trips across the country. Download my 12 Day Costa Rica Travel Itinerary for a detailed day-by-day route, interactive Google Map, accommodation recommendations, restaurant suggestions, hidden gems, and everything you need to experience the best of Costa Rica with confidence.

Plan Your Costa Rica Adventure

Follow my exact 12-day route after seven trips exploring Costa Rica.

Wondering how to spend two weeks in Costa Rica? This 12 Day Costa Rica Itinerary follows the exact route I've refined over seven trips exploring one of the world's most biodiverse countries. Travel from La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano to Monteverde Cloud Forest, Manuel Antonio National Park, Uvita, Rio Celeste, waterfalls, wildlife reserves, Pacific beaches, and hidden gems. Download my complete Costa Rica Travel Itinerary below for a detailed day-by-day guide, interactive Google Map, accommodation recommendations, restaurant suggestions, driving routes, and practical travel tips.

Best Places to Visit in Costa Rica

Discover the destinations that make Costa Rica one of the world's greatest adventure travel destinations.

Wondering where to go in Costa Rica? In this Costa Rica Travel Guide, I share the best places to visit in Costa Rica after exploring the country across seven separate trips. Discover Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna, Monteverde Cloud Forest, Manuel Antonio National Park, Uvita, hidden waterfalls, Pacific beaches, wildlife reserves, and national parks that make Costa Rica one of the world's greatest adventure destinations. Download my complete 12 Day Costa Rica Travel Itinerary below for a detailed day-by-day guide, interactive Google Map, accommodation recommendations, hidden gems, and practical travel tips.

Costa Rica Travel Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common mistakes and enjoy a smoother, safer, and more rewarding Costa Rica adventure.

Planning a trip to Costa Rica? Before you go, learn the most common Costa Rica travel mistakes and how to avoid them. In this guide, I share practical Costa Rica travel tips from seven trips exploring the country's rainforests, volcanoes, beaches, national parks, and wildlife. Learn how to plan your route, avoid common tourist mistakes, save time and money, and experience the best of Costa Rica with confidence. Download my 12 Day Costa Rica Travel Itinerary below for a complete day-by-day guide, interactive Google Map, accommodation recommendations, hidden gems, and practical travel advice.

Taste Costa Rica

Learn how to make Gallo Pinto, Costa Rica's iconic breakfast and one of the country's most beloved comfort foods.

Food is one of the best ways to experience Costa Rican culture. In this episode of A Taste of Travel, I show you how to make Gallo Pinto, Costa Rica's famous breakfast made with rice, beans, eggs, and fried plantains. Along the way, I share the story behind this iconic dish and why it's such an important part of everyday life in Costa Rica. After exploring the country's incredible cuisine, download my 12 Day Costa Rica Travel Itinerary below for a complete guide to Costa Rica's national parks, beaches, volcanoes, wildlife, hidden gems, and unforgettable local experiences.

Experience the Magic of Costa Rica

A cinematic journey through one of the world's most beautiful and biodiverse destinations.

Experience the incredible beauty of Costa Rica through this cinematic travel film featuring Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna, Monteverde Cloud Forest, Manuel Antonio National Park, Uvita, Rio Celeste, waterfalls, wildlife, rainforests, beaches, and the country's breathtaking Pacific coastline. Whether you're planning your first Costa Rica vacation or simply dreaming about your next adventure, this short film captures the landscapes, wildlife, and Pura Vida spirit that make Costa Rica one of the world's greatest travel destinations. Download my 12 Day Costa Rica Travel Itinerary below to follow the exact route featured throughout the film.